Leadership Qualities of Harry S. Truman

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF HARRY S . TRUMAN

2006

Harry S . Truman became President of the United States with the death of Franklin D . Roosevelt on April 12 , 1945 . During his nearly eight years in office , Truman confronted enormous challenges in both foreign and domestic affairs . The leadership paradigm of the Truman years represented a blend of 19th century principles and postwar austerity . He was admired for his ability to maintain his Midwestern demure while being one of the world 's most prominent leaders as President of the United States . Truman was a

compromise candidate for vice president almost an accidental president after Roosevelt 's death 12 weeks into his second term . Truman 's stunning come-from-behind victory in the 1948 election showed how ordinary Americans , perhaps , appreciated his personal qualities of integrity and straightforwardness as McCullough notes , because he was one himself . Most Americans in the 1950s did not expect that Harry Truman would become one of their most highly regarded presidents

Truman 's assets were his firm personal principles , his honesty humility , intellectual integrity , and homespun character , and his ability to speak plain truths . Regardless of his lack of preparation these qualities enabled him to face the challenges of the cold war , make portentous decisions , and retain the respect of the electorate , who accepted him as one of them . He could be magnanimous , as in his gesture of consulting with former President Herbert Hoover , long barred from the Roosevelt White House . He could be intrepid , as in his determination to remove General Douglas MacArthur from command in Korea , in to preserve the superiority of the civilian government over the military In 1948 Truman won the most unexpected election upset of the century . He ultimately prevailed . Truman succeeded Franklin D . Roosevelt as president before the end of World War II . He responded quickly to new challenges . Impulsive , he proved willing to make quick decisions when necessary . Additionally , he took responsibility for his decisions . His slogan , The Buck Stops Here , is famous in American politics Intellectual integrity is another area in which Truman 's values are evident . A chief strength of his was the ability to admit the need for help . By incorporating the strengths of his staff , Truman was able to make educated and well thought out decisions . He attempted to galvanize himself as a knowledgeable and effective leader . Acheson never ceased to be impressed that Truman had no trace of imperiousness about him and never let his ego to come between him and his job . Truman 's handling of Palestine is another example of his effective leadership . The issue of whether or not to create a unified Jewish state was divisive and risky Although he left the presidency in 1953 at low ebb in his popularity his standing rose again over the years . After his death on December 26 1972 , he achieved the status of folk hero . Songs proclaimed "America Needs You Harry Truman " A Broadway play "Give 'Em Hell , Harry " was based on his life story , and biographies of...